General anesthesia for children and teens
Patients who present special challenges related to their age, behavior, medical conditions, or even sensory issues may need to be treated under general anesthesia. We are trained and qualified to recognize the indications for such an approach and to render such care with the assistance of our anesthesiologists.
The greatest advantage: no memory of a tough experience
The greatest advantage of putting a child to sleep while getting their dental work done is that they will not have any memory of a traumatic experience. Some of the medications used actually help the child forget all about what happened during treatment. Also, once a patient is completely asleep, all treatment is done at once.
When a patient is a suitable candidate for general anesthesia, we are proud to have highly trained dental anesthesiologists on our team who provide the anesthesia in our office. Meet our anesthesiologists →
Licensed dental anesthesia providers
When providing routine dental care for pediatric patients, it may be necessary to administer general anesthesia or deep sedation in the dental office. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) requires that the sedation be administered by a licensed anesthesia provider, or anesthesiologist.
Our anesthesiologists are well-trained and licensed anesthesia providers. These dental professionals are not only qualified dentists, but have also undergone additional training and residency to provide pain management services and advanced anesthesia for all dental and maxillofacial (oral surgical) procedures.
By virtue of training and experience, Dr. Scott is qualified to recognize the indications for the need for deep sedation, and to render such care with the assistance of our anesthesiologists. Please schedule your consultation to discuss your child's dental treatment using the general anesthesia option.
In-office IV sedation, a short drive from your community
Many families travel to us specifically for in-office IV sedation. The drive is the price of admission for the specialty difference. See city-specific drive logistics, scheduling, and clinical patterns for your community: Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Folsom, Citrus Heights, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, and Sacramento.
For a complementary mild option, see our nitrous oxide page. For special-needs sedation specifically, see our special needs dentistry page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might general anesthesia be the right choice for my child?
The greatest advantage of putting a child to sleep while getting their dental work done is that they will not have any memory of a traumatic experience. Some of the medications used actually help the child forget what happened during treatment. Also, once a patient is completely asleep, all treatment can be done at once.
Who administers deep sedation in your office?
When providing routine dental care for pediatric patients, it may be necessary to administer general anesthesia or deep sedation in the dental office. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) requires that the sedation be administered by a licensed anesthesia provider, or anesthesiologist. Our anesthesiologists are well-trained and licensed anesthesia providers, they are not only qualified dentists, but have also undergone additional training and residency to provide pain management services and advanced anesthesia for all dental and maxillofacial procedures.
How safe is dental general anesthesia?
Dental anesthesiologists are dentists who have completed two to three additional years of hospital-based residency training in anesthesiology. They monitor your child's airway, breathing, heart rate, and oxygen continuously. Our anesthesiologists are board-certified diplomates of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology.
What does the day of treatment look like?
Dr. Scott will discuss all necessary steps that must be taken in order to promptly and safely complete your child's dental treatment after the General Anesthesia option has been chosen. You will receive specific pre-operative instructions covering food, drink, and medication.
Schedule a sedation consultation
Dr. Scott will walk you through every step needed to promptly and safely complete your child's dental treatment.